The Ford P4JA is a 1,499 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, direct fuel injection (GTDI), and a single-scroll turbocharger. In standard form it delivered 118 kW (160 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque at 1,600–4,000 rpm, offering responsive urban performance with improved fuel economy.
Fitted to models such as the Fiesta ST, Puma ST, and Focus Active, the P4JA was engineered for compact hot-hatch dynamics with everyday usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), and precise direct injection control, meeting Euro 6d-TEMP and later Euro 6d standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin 20S078. This issue arises from insufficient lubrication under high-load conditions, leading to HPFP failure and associated drivability faults. Ford addressed it with a revised cam follower design and updated oil specifications.
All production years (2018–2023) meet Euro 6d-TEMP or Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8765).
The Ford P4JA is a 1,499 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact performance models (2018–2023). It combines gasoline direct injection (GTDI) with a single-scroll turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and agile response. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6d emissions standards, it integrates a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) for compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.0 mm × 82.5 mm | |
| Power output | 118 kW (160 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Gasoline direct injection (GTDI), up to 250 bar | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020); Euro 6d (2021–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C946‑B1 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The P4JA engine delivers brisk low-end torque ideal for urban and spirited driving but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 16,000 km or 12 months) to protect the HPFP cam follower and turbo components. Ford WSS‑M2C946‑B1 (5W‑30) oil is critical due to its low-SAPS formulation, which safeguards the GPF and ensures HPFP lubrication. Extended oil life or incorrect viscosity can accelerate cam follower wear, triggering P0087 or P0191 codes. The engine is interference-design, so timing chain integrity must be monitored. Use only EN 228-compliant 95 RON petrol to preserve injector and GPF life.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS‑M2C946‑B1 (5W‑30) specification (Ford SIB 20S078). Equivalent to ACEA C5 with enhanced cam wear protection.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP applies to 2018–2020 builds; Euro 6d compliance confirmed for 2021–2023 via VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8765.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output verified on dynamometer per Ford PT‑2019.
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F30872, ES‑P4JA‑01, SIB 20S078
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8765)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford P4JA was used across Ford's Global B platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Fiesta ST and modified intake routing in the Puma ST—creating minor service part differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Ford TIS F30872). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates engine type ('4' for P4JA). Visual identification: black cam cover with '1.5 EcoBoost' embossed; visible single-scroll turbo with integrated exhaust manifold and GPF in exhaust system. Critical differentiation from earlier 1.0L EcoBoost: P4JA has three cylinders, not four, and uses a different HPFP layout. Service parts require VIN verification—cam followers differ between pre- and post-2021 builds due to SIB 20S078 updates.
The P4JA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or aggressively driven engines. Ford internal data from 2021 indicated a notable share of pre-2021 Fiesta ST units required HPFP replacement before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal GPF-related failures due to robust regeneration logic. Extended oil change intervals and use of non-spec oil increase cam follower scuffing risk, making correct oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD P4JA.
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